Men aren’t typically concerned with the feel, smell, or look of their feet. Because flip-flop season is just around the corner, it’s important to establish a good foot grooming routine to get your feet in shape. Today Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center, share five simple ways men can maintain the look and health of their feet:

 

1. Wash feet daily. We advise patients to wash their feet daily with soap and water to control or prevent athlete’s foot. This condition is quite common, especially for men who wear shoes that don’t breathe well. With this condition, the skin can blister and become highly contagious. Consider using either topical or oral anti-fungal medications and spray the inside of their shoes with Lysol regularly.

 

2. Don’t try to treat a problem yourself. Men are more apt to engage in their own form of self-surgery. Alternatively, treat calluses with a pumice stone or insert padding in your shoe. In some instances, nail fungus can be relieved by taking off part of the nail or with an OTC anti-fungal medication for nails. Blisters should always be left alone. If it tears, clean the area, leave the skin flap where it is, and apply antibiotic cream and a clean bandage.

 

3. Change your socks each day. Because feet sweat, you must change your socks once or twice daily to prevent them from sweating too much. Some men develop hyperhidrosis, a condition where the feet sweat so much that they slip around inside their shoes, resulting in foot infections and odor.

 

4. Cut toenails correctly. Before trimming your nails, sterilize your clipper with rubbing alcohol and make small cuts. Don’t attempt to cut the whole nail at once or dig at the corners of your nails. Just cut them straight across, leaving them a little longer. Cutting them too short can cause the nail plate to weaken and the infection to spread. Always cut nails when they are dry, as they can tear or bend when they are softer.

 

5. Always dry your feet thoroughly. After cleansing your feet, it’s essential to dry them thoroughly, particularly the areas between the toes. You can use lotion but don’t apply it between your toes because it can cause the tissue or skin and break down and ulcerate.

 

If you have questions or need more information regarding men’s foot health, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. You can click here to locate contact information for the nearest office to book your appointment.